CATEGORIES

This category is for photographs showcasing Children - children and youth

• Mountains/Peaks
• National Parks/Wilderness
• Coastlines/Beaches
• Deserts/Dunes
• Forests/Woodlands
• Lakes/Reflections
• Rivers/Waterfalls
• Canyons/Gorges
• Islands and Coastal Scenery
• Prairies/Grasslands
• Volcanoes and Geothermal Features
• Seasonal Landscapes
• Cultural and Historical Landscapes
• Sunrises/ Sunsets
• Astro-Landscapes
• Other (Landscapes that fall outside of the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs highlighting the charm and character of small towns across the country, this category captures the nostalgic and idyllic aspects of Main Street USA.

• Main Street Life
• Small Town Landmarks
• Events/Festivals/Celebrations
• Historic Architecture
• Local Cuisine/Dining
• Family/Community Life
• Nightlife in Small Towns
• Small Town Art/Murals
• Other (Small Town photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that captures the vibrancy, energy and diverse culture found in cities across the United States.

• Street Photography
• City Skylines
• People
• Public Transportation
• City Lights/Nightlife
• Celebrations/Events/Parades
• Urban Landmarks
• City Culture/Street Art
• Water/Glass City Reflections
• Other (City Life photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that celebrate the rich cultural legacy and historical significance of the United States.

• Historic Landmarks/Monuments
• Living History/Re-enactments/Events
• Native American Heritage
• American Revolution
• Civil War/Reconstruction
• Pioneers and Settlers
• Immigrant Stories
• Civil Rights Movement
• Industrial Revolution
• Documents/Artifacts
• Founding Fathers/Political Figures
• Great Depression Era
• Exploration/Expansion/American Frontier
• Other (Historical/Heritage photographs that fall outside the range of the above categories)

This category is for photographs that evoke a sense of patriotism and pride, includes photographs of national symbols, flags and landmarks.

• American Flag
• Patriotic Events/Celebrations
• Monuments/Memorials
• Military and Veterans
• National Anthem/Pledge of Allegiance
• American Bald Eagle
• The Statue of Liberty
• American Symbols in Art and Architecture
• Presidential Moments
• American Symbols in Everyday Life
• Holidays/National Observances
• National Cemeteries
• Public Demonstrations of Patriotism
• Parades/Marches
• Other (Patriotism & National Symbolism photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that capture the essence and diverse culinary traditions found throughout the United States.

• Regional Dishes
• Farm-to-Table
• Street Food/Food Trucks
• Seafood Delicacies
• BBQ & Grilling
• Soul Food/Southern Cuisine
• Cultural Fusions
• Food Festivals/Culinary Events
• Desserts/Sweet Treats
• Comfort/Fast Foods
• Craft Brews/Beverages
• Food Styling/Artistry/Presentations
• Celebrations/Holidays
• Other (American Cuisine and Food photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs that capture the natural elements and the vast and diverse ecosystems of the United States.

• Trees
• Seascapes
• Underwater
• Flowers
• Plants/Fungi
• Macro
• Seasons
• Sunsets
• Astrophotography
• Weather/Storms
• Landscape
• Desert/Dunes/Flora
• Natural Abstracts
• Other (Nature photographs that fall outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs capturing the dynamic and thrilling moments in all sports, including editorial, artistic, competitive or recreational.

• Action Shots
• Celebrations
• Portraits
• Behind the Scenes
• Fans
• Stadium/Venue Shots
• Sports Photojournalism
• Extreme Sports
• Sports Collisions
• Sports Lifestyle
• Historical Moments
• Aerial
• Other (Sports photography that falls outside the above categories)

This category is for photographs celebrating the nostalgia and quirkiness of roadside landmarks and the iconic Route 66.

• Classic Route 66 Motels/Diners
• Giant Roadside Statues
• Vintage Gas Stations
• Roadside Americana Art
• Historic Route 66 Landmarks
• Retro Signage
• Neon Lights and Nightscapes
• Other (Roadside/Route 66 photography that falls outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that capture the essence and personality of an individual or a group of people.

• Traditional
• Lifestyle
• Candid
• Fine Art
• Family/Group
• Generation Portraits
• Environmental/Subjects in Natural Surroundings
• Cultural/Ethnic Portraits
• Celebrity/Public Figures
• Self-Portrait
• Conceptual
• Other (Portrait photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)

This category is for photographs that document and capture moments that convey powerful narratives. Tell stories and real-life events about people and issues that evoke emotions in the United States.

• Social/Political Issues
• War & Conflict
• Environmental
• Disasters/Humanitarian Crises
• Politics & Elections
• Lifestyle/Cultural Events
• General News
• Health/Medical
• Economic/Labor Issues
• Human Interest Stories
• Personality Portraiture
• Sports
• Other (Editorial/Press photographs that fall outside the above mentioned categories)